Armenian Studies Program Newsletter www.umich.edu New Series, No. 2 / Fall 2008

Manoogian Simone Foundation Gives $1.2 Million to U-M for Armenian Studies

In this Issue: In September 2007 the Manoogian Simone Foundation made a $1.2 million gift to the “Because of Special Graduate- Armenian Studies Program in the University of the Manoogian Family’s Workshop (page 3) Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). This contribution will propel the generosity, U-M has been Graduate study of Armenia to a higher level by providing able to attract Students and resources for scholars in the US and Armenia leading Armenian scholars...” Research Grants to conduct the research that will generate new (page 4) historical knowledge and change the way Arme- nian history and culture is taught and preserved Visiting Scholars for future generations. world. The Manoogian Simone Foundation’s gift to (Page 6) the Armenian Studies Program (ASP) will provide The Manoogian family has given millions of funding for graduate and post-doctoral fellowships Manoogian dollars over the years to philanthropic efforts at UM and in Armenia, a visiting scholar program, Simone Post-doc benefiting Armenians, both in the homeland annual international conferences, graduate work- Fellows (page 7) and the diaspora. They have established schools, shops, an expanded Summer Language Institute, centers, churches, and libraries throughout the and an outreach program. (continued on page 2) Lectures & Collo- quia (page 8) U-M to Hold International Conference on “The Armenian Apocalyptic Tradition”

Announcements The Armenian Studies Program at the Uni- context, in both literature and the arts. Scholars (page 10-11) versity of Michigan is pleased to announce an from Armenia, Europe and the USA will discuss international conference on “The Armenian eschatological and millennial themes, visions and Call for Papers Apocalyptic Tradition: A Comparative Perspec- prophecies, maledictions and revelations, origins (page 12) tive.” The conference will take place at the and apocrypha, and related topics in this important University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, October but inadequately explored field. Within the larger 16-19, 2008. comparative context, papers will highlight apoca- lyptic themes common to the Syriac, Byzantine, This is the second confer- Coptic, Ethiopic, Slavonic, Georgian and Armenian ence on the theme which traditions, or comparative aspects of one or more the Armenian Studies of these traditions. Papers dealing with visual rep- Programs at the Hebrew resentations of such elements in these traditions University of Jerusalem will illustrate their reflection and interpretation in art. and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, had It is hoped that the comparative approach adopted independently conceived by the conference will shed much new light on the but jointly planned. The prescience of seers and the imaginary and imagi- first conference was native ways in which they reflected the religious- organized by the Hebrew cultural concerns and social-political aspirations of University of Jerusalem their respective traditions. The proceedings will be and took place in Jerusalem in 2007. published as a volume in English. Professor Kevork The Ann Arbor conference will highlight the B. Bardakjian is the main convener of the confer- Armenian Apocalyptic tradition in the broad- ence. The conference is open to the public. est sense of the word, and in a comparative PAGE 2 Message from the Director

As the new director of the Armenian Studies Program at and Marie Manoogian Foundation, and now the Manoogian the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, I follow in the foot- Simone Foundation as well as of many members of the steps of two extraordinary scholars and program builders. larger community. Finally, we have made progress because Professor Ronald Suny was the first holder of the Alex of the common vision that brings us together. Manoogian Chair in Modern Armenian History; Ron es- tablished the program here and imagined it as an endeavor The Armenian Studies Program at the UM places high val- larger than courses being offered in the field, more as a ue on a number of dimensions: (a) the preparation of and forum where analytical discourse reaches out to the com- support for the next generation of scholars; (b) the open- munities within and without the University and academia. ing up of the field to fields beyond history, language and He was succeeded by Professor Kevork Bardakjian, holder art such as sociology, political science, and anthropology, of the Marie Manoogian Chair in Armenian Language and in other words a multi-disciplinary approach to Armenian Literature. Kevork held the fort and continued building up studies, in line with major advances in the socials sciences the program for over a decade. and humanities; (c) the recognition that the history, culture and arts of the Armenian people cannot be understood Our Program has come a long way, first due to the close and fully appreciated in isolation; and (d) the appreciation collaboration of the previous directors and associated of an approach that is self-critical and self-confident. faculty such as Professor Kathryn Babayan, who serves on the Executive Committee of the program along with Pro- To pursue expansion in these directions, we have intensi- fessors Bardakjian and Suny; second, due to the extraor- fied collaboration with other programs and departments dinary assistance from the University of Michigan admin- at the University, including the Armenian Research Center istration, including Dean Terry McDonald and his staff, the at the Dearborn campus, as well as programs at other uni- Director of the International Institute and his staff, the versities and organizations that promote Armenian studies chairs of the History and Near Eastern Studies, and the di- around the world. rectors of the Center for Russian and East European Stud- ies and the Center for Middle Eastern and North African As part of our outreach program, we are expanding our Studies; third, due to the continuing support from the Alex website (www.ii.umich.edu/asp) where details of ASP activi- ties will be found readily. Manoogian Simone Foundation Gives $1.2 Million (continued from page 1) On behalf of the Armenian Studies Program I would like to express The Foundation is headed by Lou- “This transformational gift will enable my deep and sincere gratitude for ise Manoogian Simone, daughter of the Armenian Studies Program to the wholehearted and professional the late Detroit businessman Alex become a leading area study center support we have received from all, Manoogian and sister of Rich- among universities around the world,” not least our staff and the staff of ard Manoogian, who is Executive said LSA Dean Terrence J. McDonald. the International Institute, where the Chairman of Alex Manoogian’s “The Manoogian family is dedicated Program is housed. Fortune 500 Taylor, Michigan-based to preserving and expanding our company, MASCO Corporation. knowledge about Armenia and has As the information in this News- “My parents started the Armenian demonstrated this commitment at letter will reveal, we have had a Studies Program at U-M,” said U-M through the years.” number of exciting years and we are Simone, “and this gift will expand looking for an even fuller range of the program by providing funds for The Manoogian family established the activities next year which prom- young scholars to study Armenian Alex Manoogian Chair of Modern ises to be even more intense and language and history, both in Michi- Armenian History in LSA more than productive. gan and Armenia.” 30 years ago, followed by the Marie Manoogian Chair of Armenian Professor Gerard Libaridian Language and Literature. Because Alex Manoogian Chair in Modern of their generosity, UM has been Armenian History able to attract leading Armenian scholars. (The last issue of the ASP Newsletter was published in April, 2003, as “New Series No. 1.” For comments or additional copies of The Manoogian Simone Founda- this issue, please contact the ASP) tion gift is part of LSA’s fundraising effort for the $2.5 billion “Michigan Difference” campaign. International Conference Considering the Concept of ‘Nation’ PAGE 3 on Georgia A special workshop for Graduate students in Armenian Studies By Ronald Grigor Suny As part of its expanding program The Case of Armenian Democratization;” Caught between Russia and the of activities, the Armenian Studies Sebouh Aslanian (PhD, Columbia Middle East, for centuries the passage Program at the University of Michigan, University, 2007, recipient of Best Dis- from East to West, the small republic Ann Arbor, convened a special work- sertation Award, then Visiting Lecturer of Georgia has seldom in recent years shop that brought together senior at Whitman College, Washington State, had the spotlight of scholarship turned scholars, advanced and newly gradu- currently post-doctoral fellow at U-M), full force on its fascinating history ated PhD students, and current troubles. The Armenian and starting graduate Studies Program of the University of students. The purpose “Rather than merely offer an opportunity Michigan in Ann Arbor sponsored the of the workshop was for students to cover disparate topics, we first international conference in mid- to provide an oppor- invited those whose research involved or May 2008 to look at the “making of a tunity for emerging would have an impact of the concept of scholars to discuss national culture” in that South Cauca- ‘nation’ in Armenian history...” sian country. More than thirty scholars their work and con- from Europe, Asia, the United States, sult with each other Canada, and Georgia itself gathered and with senior scholars. “From Coalition to Nation: The Collapse of to hear and discuss papers on such the Julfan Trade Network and its Trans- far-flung topics as Iranian influences The workshop, held from April 16 to formation;” Sossie Kasbarian (PhD, in medieval Georgia, the appeal of rap 19, offered a special format for the School of Oriental and African Studies, music among Georgian young people gathering of some 21 participants. London, 2006, currently Lecturer at today, Russian-Georgian conflicts, and “We decided to go with a theme,” SOAS and The Institute of Internation- the precarious future of Armenians explained Professor Gerard Libarid- al and Development Studies, Geneva), in Georgia. Discussions swung from ian, Director of the Program. “Rather “Rooted and Routed: The Contemporary enthusiasm for the multicultural nature than merely offer an opportunity for Armenian Diaspora in Cyprus and Leba- of Georgian society and the complex students to cover disparate topics, non;” “Diasporic Representations: A Study we invited those whose research of Circassian and Armenian Identities involved or would have an impact of in Greater Syria;” Talar Chahinian the concept of ‘nation’ in Armenian (PhD, UCLA), “Constructive Nationalism? history. We also limited participation ‘Menk’ as an Alternative Archive;” and to those invited and allowed ample Marylin Eordegian (PhD student at time for discussions, which we hope Vanderbilt University,) “Israeli policies would help the new scholars as well toward the Armenian Church.” Anna as benefit the senior ones.” Martirossian of Yerevan, currently at harmony of life in old Tiflis (currently the University of Missouri-St; Louis, Po- the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi), to tales During the first two full days of the litical Science Department), discussed of nationalist hostility and savage workshop presentations were made her proposed topic of dissertation, “Social Exclusion and Democratization in conflict. by the following: Dr. Rachel Gos- the Third Republic of Armenia.” hgarian (PhD. Harvard University, Georgians pride themselves on 2007, Director of the Zohrab Infor- Doctoral students from the Univer- tolerance of foreigners and visitors mation Center in New York), “What is sity of Michigan, Ann Arbor, who have and the hospitality of their famous Ottoman History? What is Armenian His- recently joined the program were supra, the lavish feast that travelers to tory? Seeing Armenian Realities as Part of given the opportunity to present their Georgia have praised for centuries. the Ottoman Story;” Joanne Laycock research interests on the third day: But Georgian culture has also been (PhD, Manchester University, 2005, Richard Antaramian, Department defensive and insecure about its future then Manoogian Simone Foundation of History, “Late Ottoman Armenian/ when threatened by the empires to Post-doctoral Fellow at the Univer- Turkish Social Relations;” Semi Ertan, the north and south. At the present sity of Michigan), ‘Imagining Armenia: Near Eastern Studies, “An Ottoman time the republic has good relations Orientalism, History and Civilization;” Armenian intellectual of 17th century with all its neighbors, except for Russia, Taline Papazian (PhD student, Istanbul: Eremya Celebi Komurcuyan;” which is supporting Abkhaz and South Paris), “Bringing the Nation Back In: Krista Goff, Department of History, Osetian separatists who want their The Armenian National Movement from “The Modern Caucasus and Azerbaijan, regions to be independent of Georgia. Soviet Nationality Syndrome to Sovereign Nationalities Policies toward Non-titular Armenians in Georgia experience a Nation;” Arus Harutyunyan (PhD Nations;” Jeremy Johnson, Anthro- sense of displacement and disillusion- expected, 2008, Western Michigan pology/History Program, “Early Soviet University), “Contesting National Identi- (continued on page 9) ties in an Ethnically Homogeneous State: (continued on page 10) PAGE 4 Graduate Students Research Grants

Richard Antaramian, admitted in 2006 in the History In the summer of 2008, Krista Goff, PhD candidate in his- Department PhD program. Richard will focus on Turkish tory, was granted funding to conduct preliminary research Armenian social relations in the late 19th and early 20th for her dissertation prospectus in Azerbaijani and Russian ar- centuries. chives. With a specialization in studying postwar Soviet poli- cies for non-titular populations in Azerbaijan, her working Alison Crossley, PhD program in the Near Eastern hypothesis is that the post-Stalinist era was a dynamic period Studies Department, admitted in 2007. Alison will focus on the Arab Caliphate, Armenia and Byzantium in the 7th of negotiation on the nationalities issues for the republic - 9th centuries. politicians with both Moscow and with ethnic minorities in their territories. Semi Ertan, (Turkey) PhD student. Near Eastern Studies Department. Dissertation on Ottoman and Armenian in- In the summer of 2008, Richard Antaramian, Ph.D. tellectual life in the 18th century with particular emphasis candidate in history, received a grant to translate select on Eremia Komurjian (1637-1695) as the central figure. In documents related to the late nineteenth and early twen- progress. Semi will take his preliminary exams in the fall tieth centuries Armenian history. Given that much of the of 2008 and defend his Prospectus shortly thereafter. historiographical controversy on Turkish-Armenian focuses on competing interpretations, the translation of these docu- Krista Goff, admitted in the History Department’s PhD ments would allow those without knowledge of Armenian to program in 2007. Krista will focus on the recent history of the Caucasus, with emphasis on policies toward non- engage primary documents. Antaramian was also able to re- titular national minorities in Soviet Azerbaijan. vise many of the papers that he wrote as a graduate student with the purpose of publishing them in academic journals. Jeremy Johnson, admitted into the Anthropology/His- tory PhD program in 2008. Jeremy received his MA from Joanne Laycock, Manoogian Simone Foundation Post- the Center for Russian and East European Studies at U-M doctoral Fellow during Winter 08, was awarded funding for in 2008. Jeremy will focus on early Soviet Armenian and a research trip to gather documents on the settlement and Caucasian history. resettlement of diasporic Armenians, focusing in particular on the experience of repatriates to Soviet Armenia following Kari Neely, PhD completed. Dissertation: “Diasporic the Second World War and relating these to other moments Representations: A Study of Circassian and Armenian in modern Armenian history. Identity in Greater Syria,” successfully defended on 13 October, 2007.

Michael Pifer, PhD program, (Near Eastern Studies and Comparative Literature), admitted in 2007 but deferred to 2008. Michael spent last year in Aleppo improving his Western Armenian and learning Arabic. A comparative study of Modern Armenian literature will be the topic of his doctoral dissertation.

Vahe Sahakyan, admitted in the Department of Near Eastern Studies PhD program. Graduated from the De- partment of Sociology of Yerevan State University (YSU), Armenia, in 1999. His dissertation will be on Armenian identity in a globalizing context as perceived by both the Armenians of Armenia and those of the Diaspora. The tensions characterizing Armenia-Diaspora relations will form a fundamental part of his research in the context of modern theories and practices of globalization and modernization. Brief News

COOPERATION. The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, COOPERATION. ASP has developed close cooperation with and Yerevan State University have initialized an agree- the Armenian Research Center at the University of Mich- ment of cooperation in a number of areas. The Armenian igan-Dearborn campus. Founded by Prof. Dennis Papazian, Studies Program will be the University unit to work with that center is now directed by Prof. Ara Sanjian. The two Yerevan State University to implement the provisions of centers facilitate public lectures, share resource acquisition the agreement. Details will be released and posted on the and availability, and programming; Prof. Sanjian serves on the ASP website as soon as the agreement has been signed Steering Committee of the ASP and ASP faculty has joined formally by both sides. ARC in launching an Armenian Studies publication series. Special Projects PAGE 5

Archives library of Krikor Abaciyan (1924- Some years ago Mrs. Marguerite The Armenian Studies Program will 1989), longtime Head of Library and Harms, a resident of Michigan, donated be announcing the release of these Archives of the Armenian Patriarchate to the Armenian Studies Program papers at a special event on October in Istanbul. His collection of around her grandfather’s papers. These were 31, 2008. The documents have been 4,700 items consisted mainly of Arme- housed in the Special Collections sec- classified and will be digitized to be nian-language books, periodicals, and tion of the Hatcher Graduate Library. made available on the ASP website newspapers ranging in date from the for the benefit of eighteenth to the mid-twentieth cen- researchers. turies. The collection included literary, historical, religious, and art works, Oral History published in places as varied as Istan- In 2006 the ASP bul, Sofia, Venice, Vienna, Paris, New initiated an oral York, Boston, and Fresno documenting history project in the rich intellectual and spiritual life of Armenia to record the Armenian Diaspora. Photo by Jeremy Johnson the memoirs of po- Her grandfather was Hampartzoum litical leaders from Documents Arzoumanian, also known as Hampo the Soviet period as well as the early The ASP has acquired a full set of Asman, one of the early leaders of independence period. The project is “Hayastan,” the main publication of the Hnchakian Party in Iran who was ongoing. Details will be available later the “Armenian Secret Army for the subsequently, active in Europe and the and posted on the ASP website. Liberation of Armenia,” a group active US until 1907. Given the dearth of in the 1970s and 1980s. The issues of archival sources on the first Armenian Library Acquisition the journal will be digitized and made political party, the Hnchakians, the The University of Michigan Library available to researchers. Hampartzoum Arzoumanian archives made another landmark acquisition in have a special significance. 1998, when it purchased the personal Past Conferences and Workshops

“The Seventh Quadrennial Conference on Arme- nian Linguistics in conjunction with the First Inter- national Conference on Modern Western Arme- nian” was held October 2 – 5, 2003. ASP sponsored the conference.

An international conference entitled “Where the Only- Begotten Descended: The Armenian Church in His- tory” was held April 1 – 4, 2004, organized by Prof. Kevork Bardakjian and the ASP. The conference was organized in conjunction with the 1700th Anniversary of the adoption of Christianity by Armenia.

An international conference entitled “Armenia and the South Caucasus: Foreign Policy Challenges” was held October 21 – 23, 2004, organized by Professor Gerard Libaridian and the ASP.

The Columbia University Armenian Center and the Arme- nian Studies Program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, held a joint conference entitled “State-Building and Policy Making in an Independent Armenia: 1991 – 2006” March 11, 2006 at Columbia University.

The Armenian Studies Program co-sponsored an interna- tional conference in Lviv, Ukraine, May 29-30, 2008, that focused on some of the fundamental aspects of Armenian- Ukrainian cultural and historical relations in the past millennium. Professor Kevork Bardakjian was one of the conveners of the conference. PAGE 6 Upcoming International Visiting Scholars Conferences and Workshops Halil Berktay, Associ- ate Professor of His- Workshop on the “State of Armenian Studies” tory, and also Program (Sept. 18-21, 2008) Coordinator for both The ASP has initiated a two-year project on “The State History and Turkish of Armenian Studies” that will result in a report on the Studies, at Sabanci Uni- subject in cooperation with the National Associa- versity (Istanbul, Tur- tion for Armenian Studies and Research, the Society for key), was ASP Visiting Armenian Studies, the Armenian Research Center of Scholar during Winter the University of Michigan-Dearborn, the International 07 and taught a mini- Association of Armenian Studies (Europe), the Society of course on Turkish nationalism in the department of Near Armenian Studies (Europe), and the Academy of Sciences, Eastern Studies. Professor Berktay’s research interests Yerevan State University and the Matenadaran in Armenia. include the initial construction of Turkish national memory The first meeting will be held in September 2008 in Ann in the early 20th century; the role of ethnic cleansings, Arbor. Details will be released on the ASP website and in atrocities and genocides in revolutions and nation-building; the next issue of the newsletter. the construction of national forgetting, self-exoneration or denial (with special emphasis on the Armenian Genocide The Apocalyptic Tradition of 1915). His publications include three books, two edited ASP will be hosting an international conference, Prof. books, plus numerous articles (including some in English, Kevork Bardakjian main convener, on the apocalyptic German and Hungarian as well as many in Turkish). tradition in Armenian history and culture, October 16-18, 2008. The program of the conference and other details Hans-Lukas Kieser, will be posted on the ASP website as soon as the program a Swiss historian is finalized. specializing in the late Ottoman period, was Armenia and Armenians in International Treaties designated the first This conference, March 19-21, 2009, will highlight the Manoogian Simone diplomatic history of Armenia and Armenians, from the Foundation Visiting earliest times to the present, and will be webcast live. The Scholar. program will be posted on the ASP website as soon as available. Prof. Gerard Libaridian is the main convener of Dr. Kieser, on the fac- this meeting. ulty of the University of Zurich, joined the Graduate Studies Workshop History Department The second Graduate Studies Workshop will meet in April faculty at the University (16-18). Prof. Kevork Bardakjian will be the main convener. of Michigan in Winter 2008 during which time he taught The workshop will focus on issues related to literature. two mini courses “ ‘Missionary” America and the Near East (19th-20th century)” and “Turkish and Kurdish National- Haidostian Distinguished Lecturers isms, Late 19th and 20th Centuries.”

Vartan Gregorian, President of Carnegie Corporation Professor Kieser is the author of “A Quest for Belonging. of New York, delivered the 2004 Haidostian Lecture on Anatolia beyond Empire and Nation (19th-21st centuries),” March 4, reflecting on his book “The Road Home: My to be released soon, as well as three other volumes and Life & Times.” numerous articles dealing with Anatolia, Turkish-Armenian relations and Western-Ottoman relations. He has lec- John Marshall Evans, former United States ambas- tured widely and conducted many workshops throughout sador to the Republic of Armenia, delivered the 2007 Europe. Dr. Kieser is considered one of the most respected Haidostian lecture on April scholars whose research focuses on this difficult period. Dr. 17 on the topic “Armenia: Kieser’s doctoral dissertation (University of Basel, in Ger- Challenges Past, Present, and man) was titled “Mission, Ethnos and State in the Eastern Future.” Ottoman Provinces (1839-1923).”

Gerard Chaliand, world Arus Harutyunyan will be joining the Political Science renown author and journalist, Department during Winter 2008 as a Manoogian Simone will deliver the 2009 Haid- Foundation Visiting Scholar. Her dissertation, titled “Con- ostian lecture on January 14, testing National Identities in an Ethnically Homogeneous 2009. State: The Case of Armenian Democratization,” from (continued on page 7) Manoogian Simone Foundation Post-Doctoral Fellows PAGE 7

Dr. Joanne Laycock, University of Manchester, England, was designated the first Manoogian Simone Foundation Post-doc- toral Fellow, and joined our program during the Winter 2008 semester.

Dr. Laycock’s research in recent years has covered the British Armenophile movement and the British response to the Armenian Genocide, Armenian refugee relief post WWI, and also British travel literature on Armenia. She has highlighted Soviet Armenian History, especially with regards to the repatriation to Armenia and homeland-Diaspora relations. Dr. Joanne Laycock’s doctoral dissertation was titled: “Anglo-French Schol- arship on Armenians in the Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries and the Response to the Armenian Genocide” (2000-2001), University of Manchester, School of Arts, Histories and Cultures. Dr. Laycock is the author of numerous articles.

Dr. Joanne Laycock’s research while in Ann Arbor addressed the cultural history of population displacement in modern Armenia, with particular reference to constructions of ‘home/land.’ Her work will highlight the various locations and contingent nature of ‘homeland,’ the complex experience of multiple displacements and return journeys and the centrality of landscape and material culture in articulating relations between homeland and diaspora.

(continued from page 6) Dr. Sebouh Aslanian, Columbia Visiting Scholars University, has been designated as one of the Manoogian Simone Western Michigan University Foundation Post-doctoral Fellows examined the under-explored for the 2008-2009 academic year. relations between contesting national identities, political Dr. Aslanian defended his disserta- trust, perceptions of basic fair- tion, titled “From the Indian Ocean ness and democratic attitudes to the Mediterranean: Circulation in Armenia over a period of and the Global Trade Networks of thirteen years (1993-2006). Armenian Merchants from New Julfa, Isfahan, 1605 to 1747,” at Dr. Arus Harutyunyan’s re- Columbia University; his thesis re- search includes national and ceived the Best Dissertation Award ethnic identity, political trust, of his department. democratic theory, state-so- ciety relations, citizenship and During his tenure with the Armenian Studies Program and transnational politics. Department of History at the University of Michigan, Dr. Aslanian plans to revise and complete a book manuscript Dr. Jasmine Dum-Tragut, an Austrian scholar who spe- of nine chapters, which is based on his dissertation. cializes in Linguistics and Armenian Studies, has been desig- nated as a Manoogian Simone Foundation Visiting Scholar. During the Fall 08 semester, Dr. Aslanian will be teaching a course entitled, “The Indian Ocean in World History,” with a focus on the role of merchant groups such as the Julfan Dr. Dum-Tragut, on the faculty of the University of Salzburg, Armenians, Maghribi Jews, and later a variety of other will join the U-M Near Eastern Studies Department faculty ethnic communities. in Winter 2009 during which time she will teach one mini course on Armenia today – linguistic, cultural, ethnic, and In addition to teaching one course per semester, Dr. religious dimensions. Aslanian will deliver a number of lectures to the Univer- sity and larger communities during his stay, September Professor Dum-Tragut has published more than 40 papers through April 2009. Dr. Aslanian is the author of a number and 11 monographs referring to Armenian Studies and of articles published in scholarly journals and his book General Linguistics, she has organized 7 armenological con- manuscript is planned for publication by the University of ferences and has given more than 80 armenological lectures California Press. in many countries. Dr. Dum-Tragut’s doctoral dissertation Dr. Fuat Dundar, EHESS-Paris, has been designated as (University of Graz) was titled “The Importance of Arme- the second Manoogian Simone Foundation Post-doctoral nian Language as Identity Factor for Austrian Armenians.” Fellows for the 2008-2009 academic year. In Linguistics, her research focuses on linguistic minority groups, endangered languages, ethnolinguistics and (for- Originally from Turkey, Dr. Fuat Dundar completed his dis- eign) language teaching research. In Armenian studies, she sertation entitled “L’ingénierie Ethnique du Comité Union concentrates on studies on Modern minorities in Armenia (continued on page 8) (Assyrians) and language policy. PAGE 8 Lectures and Colloquia 2003 2006 Muge Gocek, Associate Professor of Sociol- Dr. Hrant Bagratyan, Arme- ogy and Associate Professor of Women’s Studies, nian Prime Minister (1993-1996) delivered a public lecture on “Silences of History, delivered a public lecture, titled History of Silences: The Armenian Massacres of “Adapting to New Economic 1915,” January 17, 2003. This was a Brown Bag Values: Armenia in Transition,” Lecture hosted by the Sociology Department at March 13, 2006 the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. 2004 2007 Gerard Libaridian, Department of History, de- A symposium entitled “The Life, Death, and Vision of an Armenian livered a public lecture on “The Caucasus in Crisis: in Turkey: A Tribute to Hrant Dink” was held February 6, 2007. Conflicts & Confrontations in Armenia,” February 11, 2004. The event was co-sponsored by the Cen- Murat Belge, Turkish intellectual, translator, and scholar delivered ter for Russian and East European Studies, which a public lecture on “The Armenian Massacre as Reflected in Turk- is associated with the International Institute at the ish Literature” February 9, 2007. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. A panel discussion entitled “Armenian Identity: Past, Present, Dr. Aram Yengoyan, Professor of Anthropology Future” was held March 30, 2007 with the participation of two at the University of California-Davis, delivered a scholars who had recently authored books on the subject, Profes- public lecture on “Print Culture and the Question sor Levon Abrahamian of Yerevan and Dr. Razmik Panossian of Small Nationalisms,” October 8, 2004. of Montreal.

On October 29, 2004, Peter Balakian, Armenian- David Soumbadze, former Georgian diplomat, delivered a American poet and writer, read from his new work public lecture entitled “The Role of Outside Powers in Georgia’s entitled “The Burning Tigris: The Armenian Geno- Conflicts,” on October 1, 2007. cide & America’s Response.” A faculty/graduate student colloquium titled “A Georgian View of 2006 Caspian Energy Issues,” was held with David Soumbadze as the Levon Avdoyan, Armenian Area Specialist at the primary speaker on October 2, 2007. Mr. Soumbadze’s presenta- Library of Congress, delivered a public lecture on tions were part of “Conflict and Diplomacy in the Caucasus,” a “The Secular and the Christian: Armenia in the course taught by Prof. Libaridian. Fourth Century,” October 19, 2006. Elin Suleymanov, Consul-General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles, Vladimer Papava, former Minister of Economy delivered a public lecture on “Regional Conflicts in the South Cau- of the Republic of Georgia (1994-2000), discussed casus: The Azerbaijani Perspective” November 12, 2007. The event some troubling aspects of post Soviet economies as was co-sponsored by the Center for Russian and East European part of the U-M Armenian Studies Program’s goal to Studies, the Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies, understand contemporary Armenia in the context and the Center for European Studies; all associated with the Inter- of regional developments on February 2, 2006. national Institute at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. (continued on page 9)

Post-Doctorals (continued from page 7) et Progrès et la Turcisation de l’Anatolie (1913-1918)” from EHESS- Paris. His dissertation was recently published in Turkish by Iletisim Press in Istanbul. He is now preparing an English edition of his work.

His research while in Ann Arbor will address “Powers and Ethno- Statistics: Population Censuses as an Arena of Ethno Political Conflict from the Ottoman Empire to the Turkish Republic.” The basic historical source for this study will be Ottoman and Turkish archival materials and statistical figures so that the instrumentaliza- tion of statistical data by the political power in the course of ethnic problems can be revealed.

Dr. Dundar will teach a course in his area of specialization in the Department of History during Winter 09 and will deliver a number of lectures to the University and larger communities during his stay, from September through April 2009. Lectures and Colloquia (continued from page 8) PAGE 9 2007 2008 Hans-Lukas Kieser delivered a lecture on “Talat A faculty/graduate student colloquium entitled “Azerbaijan and Pasha (1874 – 1921) and the Armenians: A Biographi- Energy Politics in the Region,” was held with Elin Suleymanov cal Approach,” March 12, 2008. as the primary speaker on November 13, 2007. Mr. Suleymanov’s presentations were part of “Conflict and Diplomacy in the Cau- Hans-Lukas Kieser delivered a lecture on “Jakob casus,” a course taught by Prof. Libaridian. Künzler and the Armenians,” March 15, 2008. The event was co-sponsored by the Armenian Research Leila Alieva, Azerbaijani scholar, delivered a lecture on “South Center, University of Michigan-Dearborn and was held Caucasus Integration in NATO/EU,” December 3, 2007. The in Southfield, Michigan. event was co-sponsored by the Center for Russian and East European Studies, the Center for Middle Eastern and North Donald Bloxham, Professor at the University of African Studies, and the Center for European Studies; all associ- Edinburgh and Senior Scholar-in-Residence at the U.S. ated with the International Institute at the University of Michigan, Holocaust Museum, delivered a public lecture on “Or- Ann Arbor. ganization of Genocide,” March 19, 2008. The event was co-sponsored by the Frankel Center for Jewish A colloquium entitled “State Building in Azerbaijan in Pre-Soviet, Studies at the University of Michigan. Soviet, and Post Soviet Periods as it Relates to Oil” was held with Leila Alieva as the primary speaker on December 4, 2007. Joanne Laycock, Manoogian Simone Foundation Dr. Alieva’s presentations were part of “Conflict and Diplomacy Post-doctoral Fellow, delivered a lecture on “‘Awfully in the Caucasus,” a course taught by Prof. Libaridian. Interesting and Wonderfully Primitive:’ British Re- sponses to the Armenian Refugee Crisis 1918 – 1925,” Hans-Lukas Kieser, Professor at Zurich University and Ma- April 3, 2008. The event was co-sponsored with the noogian Simone Foundation Visiting Scholar, delivered a lecture Center for Russian and East European Studies. on “Thinking ‘New Turkey’ in Geneva: Revolutionary Diaspora Groups around 1908,” January 24, 2008. The event was co-spon- Joanne Laycock delivered a lecture on “British sored by Turkish Studies Colloquium. Encounters with Armenia in the 19th Century,” April 7, 2008. The event was co-sponsored by the Armenian Research Center, University of Michigan-Dearborn and held in Southfield, Michigan.

The Annual Holocaust and Armenian Genocide Com- memoration was held May 2, 2008. This event was co-sponsored by the Cohn-Haddow Center for Judaic Studies at Wayne State University; the Armenian Re- search Center of the University’s Dearborn campus; and the Voice Vision Survivor Oral History Archive at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Georgia Conference (continued from page 3) ment in a city and country, which many of esbaden, 2004). Among other presenters Clinton Buhler (Ohio State), them consider their real homeland. Yet at the conference were: Stephen Rapp of Jeremy Smith (Birmingham Georgia has managed, despite civil war Georgia State University (Atlanta), Armen University, UK), Stephen Jones and ethnic conflict, to emerge as the most Kazaryan (State Institute for Art Study, (Mount Holyoke), Vicken Chet- promising democracy in Caucasia and an Moscow), Tamila Mgaloblishvili (Center for erian (Geneva), Jonathan Kulick ally of the United States. Exploration of Georgian Antiquities, Tbilisi), (Tbilisi), David Soumbadze There are plans to publish many of the and Dean Sakel (Bogazici University, Istan- (Washington, DC), and Sergei papers in a volume edited by the principal bul), Hirotake Maeda (Hokaido Univeristy), Markedonov (Moscow). organizer of the conference, Ronald Grigor Paul Manning (Trent University), David Georgian culture was vividly Suny, and his friend and colleague, histo- Khoshtaria and Mzia Chikhrade (art histo- represented by Nino Tsitsishvili rian of Georgia Oliver Reisner, currently rians from Tbilisi), Medea Badashvili (Tbilisi), (Monash University), Soso Jor- working with the European Commission in Paul Crego (Library of Congress), Silvia dania (University of Melbourne), Georgia. Suny is the author of The Making Serrano (Paris), Kevin Tuite (Montreal), and Alan Gasser (Toronto), who of the Georgian Nation (Indiana University Trhornike Gordadze (Paris, Baku), Mariam sang traditional folk songs at Press, 1994), and Reisner’s major publica- Chkhartishvili and Alexandre Kukianidze two of the dinners that tried tion is Die Schule der Georgischen Nation (Tbilisi State University), Tamara Vardanyan valiantly to emulate a Georgian [The School of the Georgian Nation] (Wi- (Yerevan, Armenia), Harsha Ram (Berkeley), supra. PAGE 10 ANNOUNCEMENT Considering the Graduate Fellowships in Armenian Studies at Concept of ‘Nation’ the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (continued from page 3) Armenia-Gender, Language, and Literacy.” Kari Neely (PhD, University of Michigan, The Armenian Studies Program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, is Ann Arbor, 2007, currently Lecturer at pleased to announce the availability of two year full fellowships in Armenian studies beginning in the academic year 2009-2010 for students admitted in Middle Tennessee State University), the Ph.D. Programs in the departments listed below: Each session was preceded by a short discussion of the general theme by a senior Department of History (application deadline: December 1, 2008) scholar and followed by a detailed discus- Department of Near Eastern Studies (deadline: December 14, 2008) sion of the presentations. Department of Sociology (deadline: December 15, 2008) Department of Anthropology (deadline: January 2, 2009) Professors Khachig Tololyan (Wesleyan Department of Political Science (deadline: December 15, 2008) University) and Houri Berberian (Cali- fornia State University, Long Beach) joined or in the Masters Program of either of the following centers: the five resident scholars at the University of Michigan and associated with the Arme- Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies (CMENAS): nian Studies program (Kathryn Babayan, (deadline: January 15, 2009) Kevork Bardakjian, Gerard Libaridian Center for Russian and East European Studies (CREES): and Ronald Suny, Ann Arbor campus, and (deadline: February 1, 2009) Ara Sanjian, Dearborn campus) to assist in the workshop. Candidates must first apply to and be accepted in any of the departments or Centers listed above. Applications for graduate studies for all above de- At the end of the workshop the partici- partments and centers at the University of Michigan are submitted through pants paid a visit to the Armenian Research the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies. They must be submit- Center of the University’s Dearborn ted online at the website of Rackham Graduate School, www.rackham. campus to get acquainted with its facilities umich.edu. and resources.

Nominations of students whose interests fall within the purview of Arme- “We are hoping this will be an annual nian studies for the Manoogian Simone Foundation fellowships are made event” said Professor Libaridian, “with a by the relevant Departments and Centers. The final selection of Manoogian new theme and new participants every Simone Foundation Graduate Fellows will be made by the Armenian Studies year.” Program Executive Committee upon the recommendation of these Depart- ments and Centers. The workshop is supported by the recent gift to the program made by the Manoo- The thrust of the research interests of candidates for these graduate fellow- gian Simone Foundation. ships must be in Armenian studies.

Questions regarding applications should be addressed to the above Depart- ments and Centers. Questions regarding Manoogian Simone Foundation fel- The University of Michigan, as an equal op- lowships can be addressed to Ms. Gloria Caudill, Armenian Studies Program portunity/affirmative action employer, complies Administrator, by email: [email protected] or telephone (734) 763-0622. with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action, including Title IX of the Education These fellowships have been made possible by a generous gift from the Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Manoogian Simone Foundation. Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The University of Michigan is committed to a policy of non- discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, mari- tal status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or Vietnam-era veteran status in employment, educational pro- grams and activities, and admissions. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the Senior Director for Institutional Equity and Title IX/ Section 504 Coordinator, Office of Institutional Equity, 2072 Administrative Services Building, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1432, 734-763- 0235, TTY 734-647-1388. For other University of Michigan information call 734-764-1817. Photo by Jeremy Johnson ANNOUNCEMENT Photo by Jeremy Johnson PAGE 11 Visiting Scholar Program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

The Armenian Studies Program at the University of Michigan is pleased to invite applications for the position of Manoogian Simone Foundation Visiting Scholar for the 2009-2010 academic year.

The Visiting Scholar Program aims to enrich the Armenian Studies and Uni- versity wide curriculum. Regular faculty associated with the Program offer courses in Armenian history, language, culture and literature. The Visiting Scholar position is open to faculty who will teach two courses in disciplines such as art history, sociology, anthropology, and political sci- ANNOUNCEMENT ence for one semester. Post-Doctoral Fellowships in Armenian Studies at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor To apply for the position, candidates (Ph.D. completed) should forward the following The Armenian Studies Program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, is documents by October 15, 2008: pleased to announce a limited number of Manoogian Simone Foundation a) Curriculum Vitae Post-doctoral Fellowships for the academic year 2009/2010. b) Sample of writing/publication c) Proposals for courses the candidate These Post-doctoral Fellowships will be awarded for one semester or the may offer. full academic year to graduates who have completed their dissertations in the social sciences or humanities within the last two years and whose disser- Applications and inquiries should be ad- tations and research interests are closely related to Armenian studies. dressed to: The purpose of the post-doctoral fellowships is to provide an opportunity Ms. Gloria Caudill, Administrator to recent graduates to undertake research and writing aimed at the publica- Armenian Studies Program tion of a book or articles relevant to Armenian studies. Post-doctoral fellows 1080 S. University, SSWB Ste. 2603 would also be asked to teach one course per semester and participate in the University of Michigan activities of the Armenian Studies Program during their tenure. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106 Fax: (734) 763-4918 Applications (CV, copy of dissertation, statement regarding proposed re- Email: [email protected] search, and proposals for the course or courses the applicant will be asked to teach) should be forwarded directly to:

The Regents of the Ms. Gloria Caudill, Administrator University of Michigan Armenian Studies Program 1080 S. University, SSWB Ste. 3633 Julia Donovan Darlow, Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106 Laurence B. Deitch, Bingham Farms Tel: (734) 763-0622 Olivia P. Maynard, Goodrich Fax: (734) 763-4918 Rebecca McGowan, Ann Arbor Email: [email protected] Andrea Fischer Newman, Ann Arbor Andrew C. Richner, Grosse Pointe Park Applications must be received by February 28, 2009. Applicants will be noti- S. Martin Taylor, Grosse Pointe Farms fied in early April. Katherine E. White, Ann Arbor Mary Sue Coleman, (President) ex officio Questions can be addressed to Ms. Gloria Caudill, Armenian Studies Program Administrator, by email ([email protected]) or telephone (734) 763-0622. GOVERNANCE, CALL FOR PAPERS: International Conference on STRUCTURE, “Armenia and Armenians in International Treaties” AND STAFF OF ASP Steering Committee The Armenian Studies Program (ASP) at Administrator, ([email protected]) by Prof. Kathryn Babayan, Iranian History the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, will Friday, October 3, 2008. ASP will notify and Culture (Departments of History be convening an international conference scholars regarding the acceptance of their and Near Eastern Studies), Prof. Kevork on the theme “Armenia and Armenians in proposal by the end of October, 2008. Bardakjian, Armenian Language and Liter- International Treaties.” The conference will Final papers should be submitted two ature (Department of Near Eastern Stud- be held on the campus of the University weeks before the conference, by February ies), Prof. Gary Beckman, Near Eastern of Michigan, March 18-21, 2009. 18, 2009. The papers will be made avail- Studies (Chair, Department of Near East- able to all participants in order to limit ern Studies) Prof. Geoffrey Eley, Con- International treaties represent critical presentations during the conference to 20 temporary History (Chair, Department of moments in the history of Armenia and minutes per participant and provide time History), Prof. Gottfried Hagen, Turkish of the Armenian people that had serious for discussion during panels. Studies (Department of Near Eastern Stud- implications for their status and future ies and Director, Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies-CMENAS), as well as that of neighboring peoples The conference will begin with a recep- Prof. Gerard Libaridian, Armenian and and countries. International treaties also tion on the evening of Wednesday, March related histories (Department of History constitute the linchpin of diplomatic his- 18, followed by three full days of panels. and Director, Armenian Studies Program), tory, an aspect of Armenian history that The conference will be webcast live inter- Prof. Douglas Northrop, Central Asian has been neglected. The purpose of the nationally. Professor Gerard Libaridian is studies, (Departments of History and Near conference is to determine patterns and the main convener of the conference. Eastern Studies and Director, Center for processes which might shed light on the Russian and East European Studies-CREES), challenges faced by Armenia and Arme- The language of the conference will be Prof. Ara Sanjian, Armenian and Middle nians in their long history. English, although presentations in Ar- Eastern History (Social Sciences Depart- menian as well as in French, Russian and ment, University of Michigan-Dearborn, and For the purposes of this conference the Spanish will be accepted as long as the Director of the Armenian Research Center, term “treaties” will include also inter- presenter can provide an English transla- UM-Dearborn), Prof. Ronald Grigor national agreements such as the one tion of the paper two weeks before the Suny, Professor of Social and Political His- between the Armenian merchants of India conference. tory (Department of History) and the British East India Company in 1688 or the May 1896 agreement regard- ASP will cover all expenses related to Executive Committee ing the Eastern provinces of the Ottoman travel, lodging and meals for participants. Prof. Kathryn Babayan, Prof. Kevork Empire. Bardakjian, Prof. Gerard Libaridian, For further information, please contact Director, Prof. Ronald Grigor Suny Scholars interested in the subject of Ms. Gloria Caudill at the ASP office: Armenian diplomatic history from earliest Email: [email protected] Advisory Council times to the present are invited to submit Telephone: (1) 734-763-0622 (In the process of being reorganized under abstracts for their proposed papers on the chairmanship of Mr. Richard Yarmain of Ann Arbor, Michigan) the theme to Ms. Gloria Caudill, ASP Administrator and Staff Gloria Caudill, Administrator, Assistants Kayla Hack (2007-2008), Christine Thelen (2008-2009), Elizabeth Carter (2008-2009 Armenian Studies Program: 1080 South University Ave. Suite 3633 Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106 Tel: (734)763-0622 / Fax: (734) 763-4918 Email: [email protected] / www.ii.umich.edu/asp